Harper Macleod and LNS

A guest blog by Auldheid

In the previous blog (http://www.tsfm.scot/how-not-to-govern-scottish-football/), TSFM wrote to Harper Macleod raising questions on their advice supplied to the then SPL Board in February 2013 when the Lord Nimmo Smith Decision re use of EBTs and side letters was announced.

A reply was received from Mr McKenzie on 18th September the gist of which can be discerned in the following reply sent on 4th October.


Dear Mr McKenzie                                                                                                    4th Oct 2014

Thank you for your response of 18th September to my letter of 5th September regarding the consequences of information on the true nature of EBTs for Craig Moore, Ronald De Boer and Tor Andre Flo being withheld from your good selves when establishing in 2012 the Lord Nimmo Smith Commission into the use of EBTs and side letters by Rangers FC from 1999.

In recognition of the points you made about publishing your responses on line, your letter of 18th September will not be published although readers of TSFM will be able to gather from this reply which is being published what those points were.

Anonymity.
It is a matter of real regret that not only was anonymity required, but that Harper MacLeod were used as a conduit to try and elicit a reply from the SPFL or SFA. In terms of anonymity there were three factors at play:

  1. Security. The individuals asking the questions are aware that any raised concerning Rangers can attract threats from the worst of the Rangers support. We know that they are a minority but nevertheless, as we have recently witnessed, some are ready to turn threat into action. It is a condemnation of Scottish society that fear has played its part in preventing the truth being revealed about Rangers FC’s use of EBTs since 1999.
  2.  

  3. Collective. The Scottish Football Monitor is made up of supporters of many clubs in Scottish football and is in effect a collective. The letters reflect to a large extent the thinking and feelings of the majority of readers. If a name is required for any future correspondence from the SPFL or SFA, then it can be addressed to Mr John Macnab, and a Post Box address can be supplied if necessary in addition to this e mail address press@tsfm.scot.
  4.  

  5. Accountability. The final factor is the most important because it is why Harper Macleod were approached. It was not just because you were responsible for commissioning the Lord Nimmo Smith enquiry, but because there is absolutely no form of direct accountability by either the SPFL or the SFA to the supporters of Scottish football clubs. Correspondence can be ignored or the content not fully addressed and the customer who pays the wages of both organisations has no means of redress at all. Had there been some oversight in say an Ombudsman type role, it would not have been necessary to involve Harper MacLeod and indeed your good self. We sincerely apologise for doing so along with our thanks for actually responding to our correspondence, but we would like the reasons for our approach being addressed by the clubs who make up both footballing authorities. We hope you pass this particular point on to both SFA and SPFL.

 

Provenance.
You ask what the provenance is of the information/evidencethat you were given. The answer is we do not know, it was taken from material uploaded mainly in June last year for purposes unknown. Whilst its provenance may be in doubt there is no question as to the veracity of the content of the material itself.

This, when put together, sets out the narrative that prompted our correspondence. This question of provenance simply looks like an excuse for football authority not investigating what the material suggests took place when Duff and Phelps were asked to supply all documents relating to EBTs (no distinction being made) from the inception of the SPL.

Even if the material itself could not be used directly, it should have prompted questions that would have either corrected the narrative or established that the Lord Nimmo Smith Commission was indeed misled either by accident or design, when those documents were not supplied.

The SPFL must surely have the powers to seek the original documents from BDO and the SFA cannot be totally impotent in that regard either.

Then there is the personal knowledge of current SFA President Campbell Ogilvie to draw on. A simple statement explaining why he saw no reason to make any distinction between the irregular DOS REBTs that he launched in 1999 and the later MGMRT EBTs of which he was a beneficiary would surely help clear the air?

Existence of Side Letters.
We note that the Commission were aware of the existence of side letters to Moore, De Boer and Flo at the time of its decision of 28th February 2013 and these were taken into account when determining the appropriate sanction. The existence of side letters is not the issue that was raised in our previous correspondence, it was the nature of the EBTs that was the issue raised. In fact it would seem that the Commission themselves were confused by the switching from the irregular REBT ebts in 2002/03 to the MGMRT EBTs that are subject to further appeal with regard to regularity by HMRC.

The side letters to De Boer and Flo of 30th August and 23 November 2000 related to the DOS REBTs that they were both paid under. It is not known if they had subsequent side letters relating to the MGMRT EBTs , which is possible, but as set out in previous correspondence there were two distinctive types of EBTs and the side letters supplied relate to the earlier irregular type.

The position regarding the Moore EBT is interesting in that whatever EBT side letter was known to the Commission in February 2012 it could only have related to payments made to him under an accompanying side letter from the MGMRT ebts after 2002/03.

That Mr Moore was paid under the REBT scheme in 1999 is a matter of supplied evidence. However there is no record of any side letter in relation to the payment under the 1999 arrangement, which may or may not have been reported in the contract lodged with the SPL and SFA. It was the absence of any side letter in respect of this payment that prevented HMRC pursuing the tax due on it as they did for De Boer and Flo in what has become known as “the wee tax case. “ The evidence of deliberate concealment by the Murray Group of the side letters to De Boer and Flo allowed HMRC to seek repayment outside the normal 6 year time limit.

However the absence of a side letter or tax demand for Mr Moore does not mean this particular payment is not deserving of further scrutiny since

  1. It was an irregular payment that other clubs could not avail themselves of (as applies to the other two EBTs to De Boer and Flo)
  2.  

  3. It is not known if it was reported to the SPL/SFA under the registration rules of that period.

Finally thank you for forwarding our letter of 5th September and previous correspondence to the SFA Compliance Officer. Hopefully any further correspondence will be between him and ourselves, first to our email address, later to a PO Box if required.

It is the hope of all readers of The Scottish Football Monitor that the SFA will stop hiding behind the provenance excuse, which is destroying any semblance of integrity and proper governance of Scottish football and they will use their powers to properly acquire the information that will set the record straight and in doing so start to restore some of the lost trust which is essential for the wellbeing of Scottish football.

John Macnab

TSFM

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Tom Byrne

About Trisidium

Trisidium is a Dunblane businessman with a keen interest in Scottish Football. He is a Celtic fan, although the demands of modern-day parenting have seen him less at games and more as a taxi service for his kids.

3,442 thoughts on “Harper Macleod and LNS


  1. I keep going back to that recording where Charlie assures Craigy “That’s right you are sevco.” Turns out the key bit was the next, when Charlie covers the receiver and sniggers “yeah, but I’m bloody RFC!”


  2. For the life of me I honestly cannot understand how anyone attaching their affections to Sevco can bear the lack of clarity and honesty. If it was you, you’d want to know the truth, wouldn’t you?


  3. OK lads and lasses, in your best Jack Nicolson A Few Good Men impersonation and go….


  4. Could they? (genuine question btw)

    Has the illusion served them any purpose at all?


  5. Smugas says:
    October 7, 2014 at 3:47 pm

    An interesting question. When I read the latest hissy fit about their identity, this time involving the Livingston match programme, before that Jim Spence and before that…etc, I wonder if ultimately their supporters will suffer with this (if they are not already.)

    It’s one thing considering yourselves Rangers 1872 but it must be a source of ongoing unhappiness that the vast majority of non TRFC supporter regard you as Rangers 2012. I’m no psychologist, but I do wonder if long term had they become a new Rangers 2012 the opportunity for a form of redemption would have been healthier for them, an opportunity denied by all those in positions of influence in this saga. “You’re not Rangers any more, We saved our club, you let your club died, etc. Will these taunts ever end?


  6. Esteban says:
    October 7, 2014 at 3:22 pm
    5 0 Rate This

    For the life of me I honestly cannot understand how anyone attaching their affections to Sevco can bear the lack of clarity and honesty. If it was you, you’d want to know the truth, wouldn’t you?
    ———

    Well, I saw a tweet from TheRST this morning, asking folks to buy in via monthly pledges of various amounts. These lads and lassies are continuing to buy into RIFC. The hope is that shares they buy will give them influence. Just sad that it’s money that could otherwise have gone on a club of their own making.

    Honestly not sure where their money ends up or if their shares will have any value in the long term.

    They are no doubt well-intentioned.


  7. On a more positive note, well done Hamilton Accies for leading the Premiership. I understand why TSFM continues to be preoccupied with the TRFC saga but for a bit of balance how about we salute the changes that the football authorities did introduce for the start of the 2013/14 season, not least the play off.

    While the benefit of the play off for the end of last season in terms of excitement generated in the bottom 6 was an amazing “debut” for this innovation, the benefit continues. Who would have thought that the runner up last year would be top right now and playing positive football in the process. For those in the MSM who snidely denigrate “lesser” teams on the basis of fanbase the Accies success to date is a wonderful reminder of a core sporting value that goes to the heart of what this forum values, that success in fair competition is about the best teams getting the best results and does not necessarily equate to bigger fanbases or greater resources!


  8. Taysider says:
    October 7, 2014 at 4:38 pm
    2 0 Rate This

    On a more positive note, well done Hamilton Accies for leading the Premiership…
    ———–

    It is inspirational. Their club representatives have been on all the phone-ins and shows speaking sense. A phrase I hear over and over from them is: “We give young Scots lads a chance.”

    Not sure how many other top-flight teams start with, but against CFC they started with eight academy players.

    Brilliant.


  9. Smugas says:
    October 7, 2014 at 3:19 pm

    I keep going back to that recording where Charlie assures Craigy “That’s right you are sevco.” Turns out the key bit was the next, when Charlie covers the receiver and sniggers “yeah, but I’m bloody RFC!”
    =============================

    Charlie Green must sit in his Chateau from time to time and think ‘just how easy was that’. It makes me think of the old saying ‘it was easier than taking toffee aff a wean’.

    Let’s just recap. Charlie Green arrived on the scene and everyone wondered who he was. It was quickly established he had previously been involved in a successful share issue at Sheffield United ❗ but the fans of that club were saying Rangers shouldn’t touch him with a barge pole. However, Ally interjects and says Charlie is okay, and the season ticket money starts rolling in. Charlie meanwhile talks of ten year deals for Ally plus £30M warchests. Then Charlie throws out a few jibes in the direction of Lawwell, Regan, Doncaster etc, while handing out cups of tea to the ticket queues and starts to look like a really good guy. The media indulge every bit of rubbish he utters, and the fans drool over every insult he issues to the various enemies of Rangers. He tells Celtic his club will make millions more than they will. The fans lap it up again and the media indulge his nonsense yet again. I could go on and on but the bottom line is their club has been financially pillaged and the fans and media did nothing to prevent it happening – again!

    Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.

    As I said, Charlie Green must sit in his Chateau from time to time and think ‘just how easy was that’.


  10. Taysider,

    Re Hamilton. I think if anything it shows that a club from Div 1 (old money)can succeed regardless of how questionably one sided the playoff structures are that are thrown in front of you.

    And good on them for that.


  11. The Hamilton story is deserving of far more comment in the media than it is actually getting. I know everything about Celtic’s dietary failings, but don’t know much about the boys currently playing for the best team in Scotland. I’m also slightly surprised that the usual suspects haven’t been all over this story through the usual prism, citing it as being indicative of the falling standards in Scottish football due to the demise of . . etc etc etc ad nauseum


  12. Callum Carson ‏@CallumCarson34 17m17 minutes ago
    Livingston programme editor has resigned following comments made in the programme for the match against Rangers on Saturday.

    Callum Carson ‏@CallumCarson34 16m16 minutes ago
    Statement says: “The club do feel that the editor has used the medium of the Official Match Programme to express his own personal views.”


  13. Martin says:
    October 7, 2014 at 6:27 pm

    Utter disgrace. Livingston should back the man all the way. More proof, if it was needed, that truth and Scottish football are strangers!


  14. Can I ask a wee favour? Can posters refrain from using abbreviations such as IMHO, WRT and the like ( I nearly put etc).Thing is,some of us aren’t exactly up to speed with the lingo.Also,the word is SURELY last time I looked,not Shirley.As a matter of interest,what is IIRC?
    Rant over,stand by your bed.


  15. Martin says:
    October 7, 2014 at 6:27 pm

    Callum Carson ‏@CallumCarson34 16m16 minutes ago
    Statement says: “The club do feel that the editor has used the medium of the Official Match Programme to express his own personal views.”
    =================================================================

    Now I think there was an element of wind-up in that there was some unnecessary repetition about the oldco situation but as far as I can recall there was nothing untruthful, nothing that could be described as expressing an opinion, only stating facts. Facts that the away support didn’t want to hear. “Pursue his own agenda” maybe more accurate? An agenda that might be described as getting the truth out there and not being cowed by arrogant, aggressive supporters of a club that could be similarly described.


  16. Good day to all!

    Not been on for a while due to frequent episodes of debilitating illness that causes me to have to lie down quite a lot! Nice to see so many posters still have the bit between the teeth and biting down hard on the chronic wrongs that blight the game in Scotland.

    Hope the Livi program editor takes his ex-chairman to task for the syrup-drenched statement that was issued on the club website and asks that his so-called ‘personal’ comments be disproved by all and sundry, preferably in print.

    Chamberlain couldn’t have tried to appease the blue hordes in a more sickly and cringeworthy manner. Anything other than confront the blinding, obvious truth!

    One always has to be careful, of course, that stimulating social unrest and its potential consequences have to be avoided at all costs, even if the truth is murdered and buried in the effort.

    How do such cowardly people ever rise to lead our football clubs?

    The collective noun for such spineless administrators should be the word ‘scunner’.


  17. Statement says: “The club do feel that the editor has used the medium of the Official Match Programme to express his own personal views.”

    Views which happens to coincide with that of the majority of Scottish football fans.

    That the Livi programme guy feels he has to stand down is actually quite sickening.


  18. There now seems to be a pre-programme script operated by Kenny MacIntyre and/or Sportsound editor, whenever a former or present Celtic player is on the programme. Kenny will ask a Celtic-related question, to which the player (like Petrov tonight) will give the ‘proper’ answer about Celtic ‘needing’ Rangers.
    I find it impossible to believe that these players are not working to a script designed to maintain the pretence that TRFC are legimate.

    I’ve quite gone off Petrov now.
    And as for Roy Keane- I hope his own big dug bites him in the ba’s, after listening to that extract from his ‘biography’. What an absolute tosser of a vainglorious, arrogant reject he is, as I will say in my autobiography!
    Keane has nothing to learn about hubris from SDM, although Keane’s inflated ideas of himself have not yet destroyed a once-proud club.


  19. “We have now decided, at a recent board meeting, the date of the next AGM. The AGM will be before the 31st December to fulfil our legal requirements.

    David Somers Chairman
    Rangers International Football Club”
    ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
    IMO (In my opinion)
    If a date cannot be announced
    This could mean notice of the AGM may not be given until the last possible date which would be Tue 9 Dec
    Which in turn suggests that the Agenda is not yet finalised
    And
    Since the only issue of importance is a resolution to dis apply preemption rights

    Then
    Being unable to finalise the AGM resolutions may mean the majority Spivs lost their 75 % ownership when HH sold out to Ashley
    (allegedly for 20p but who knows? Ashley may simply have borrowed the shares so he can play hard ball
    It may be that
    The majority Spivs are trying to persuade Ashley to participate in diluting the minority
    But
    Ashley is demanding more than the Spivs are willing to give him
    And
    If the Spivs are unable to dilute the minority they will have to fund the ongoing business or go into Administration.
    If they do neither it wont be Admin
    It will be liquidation


  20. Just to clarify Danish Pastry’s comment, it was five of our starting line up that came through our academy, not eight. Two more came on as subs. The seven are – Ziggy Gordon, Stephen Hendrie, Mikey Devlin, Grant Gillespie, Ali Crawford and the subs Darren Lyon and Andy Ryan.

    What has been overlooked by the media is that incredibly this was an Accies side depleted by injury and suspension. Our rock at the back, captain Martin Canning, has been missing since the 2-2 draw at Tannadice. Young Devlin came in, and many fans were trepidatious remembering his calamitous mistake with an attempted kneed pass
    back against Inverness on opening day. But he has formed a great partnership in centre defence, firstly with Ziggy who had moved from right back, then with the returning Jesus Garcia Tena, himself injured at Tannadice. We have not lost a single goal in three league games and one 120 minute cup tie without Canning! Our attacking midfielder Darian McKinnon, who was only playing park football about five years ago, was suspended for four matches for his rather harsh sending off against Dundee Utd. We have also been without Mickael Antoine-Curier for a couple of games and been minus Jon Routledge, who had an excellent game in midfield at Easter Road in the play off final, in every league game so far.

    The flair in our team tends to come from Wee Ali, a player who got a lot of mostly unfair stick from fans over the years but who has become a new player this season, our French midfielder Tony Andreu and our free transfer signing from Wigan Danny Redmond, who had a very successful loan spell at the club in 2011/12.

    I have had my issues with the club in recent seasons, staying away from all bar one game in the season Les Gray decided he wanted New Rangers helped up a couple of divisions. There are also a couple of unsavoury characters behind the scenes at the club. Rumour, and I stress it is rumour, has it that Scott Struthers is leaving the club due to his poor relationships with these two men. However, these guys definitely do a good job at the club and in the community. Our community programme must be the envy of most clubs. My friend’s seven year old boy trains with the club and has become an ardent fan as a result. Hopefully our amazing table topping position will waken up a few locals and the penny drops about what an amazing club they have on their doorstep.


  21. A few weeks back, Scott McDermott (a Record journo) tweeted that the boy Andreu was “worth a look by a bigger club in the January transfer window”. I’ll leave you all to decide what his definition of “a bigger club” is – although I expect there is a shortlist of two. His whole attitude again reflects the mindset of the MSM, in that every other team is a part of the supporting cast for the only show in town, and damn well ought to know its place. I trust he’s enjoying Accies being top of the pile.


  22. Martin says:
    October 7, 2014 at 6:27 pm

    Callum Carson ‏@CallumCarson34 17m17 minutes ago
    Livingston programme editor has resigned following comments made in the programme for the match against Rangers on Saturday.

    Callum Carson ‏@CallumCarson34 16m16 minutes ago
    Statement says: “The club do feel that the editor has used the medium of the Official Match Programme to express his own personal views.”
    ====================================
    Agreed, that there could be a lot more to these Tweets, but on the face of it, would the Editor have a reasonable claim for constructive dismissal ?

    I don’t know if it’s a full-time paid position, but it ‘appears’ like an editor is possibly being forced to resign for publishing – in the main – factual content, and the employer is not being terribly supportive either.

    And shirley 😉 any editor must have a certain amount of leeway as part of his job remit anyway ?

    Would love to see this taken to an Industrial Tribunal, if relevant.

    …TRFC continuing to make friends along its journey… 🙁


  23. RIFC need an onerous accounts `going concern` note
    How are RIFC going to get that?
    Answers please to be carved blindfold hands tied on gnats privates with pneumatic drills
    mtp


  24. bobferris says:
    October 7, 2014 at 7:53 pm
    9 0 Rate This

    Just to clarify Danish Pastry’s comment, it was five of our starting line up that came through our academy, not eight. Two more came on as subs. The seven are – Ziggy Gordon, Stephen Hendrie, Mikey Devlin, Grant Gillespie, Ali Crawford and the subs Darren Lyon and Andy Ryan.
    ——-

    Apologies Bob, I heard what I thought was your chairman interviewed on radio and picked up the number eight from that. Well, I thought I did — cannae trust ma ain lugs, probably 🙂

    Your vc was a fascinating listen on Off the Ball, too.


  25. twopanda says:
    October 7, 2014 at 7:36 pm

    ‘Roddy news’.
    ———
    That is an interesting link,twopanda.

    It shows that the UoF are still not able to wee the wood for the trees.

    However split the TRFC Board may be,their voting power greatly exceeds the sum of all the shares of all the smaller shareholders.They can cock a snook at the small fry.
    And no director of any other business concern will be even mildly interested in how Somers as a director of RIFC behaves, as long as he is not convicted of any criminal offence such that his continued presence as a board member on their companies’ boards would be an embarrassment to them.
    In realistic, fatalistic terms, at this late stage in the proceedings, the only weapon against the Board that the UoF would have is a mass refusal to pay any more money: cancel any unpaid season book instalments, don’t pay at the gate, buy no merchandise.
    That would, of course, trigger at least Administration, and almost certainly Liquidation (for it would be unrealistic to expect any one to buy the club (even at a knock-down price)as a going (football) concern. No individual would throw his money away, and the Ticketus trick has already been done!
    The deferment of the AGM to the last legally permitted date quite possibly says it all: RIFC plc are heading down the plug-hole, the rival board factions trying to find in the time between now and then how to ensure they get the most of whatever cake may be for grabs.


  26. Danish Pastry says:
    October 7, 2014 at 8:50 pm
    ‘.. I heard what I thought was your chairman interviewed on radio and picked up the number eight from that. Well, I thought I did — cannae trust ma ain lugs, probably.’
    ———–
    If it’s any comfort, DP, I thought I heard 8 as well! 🙂


  27. John Clark says:
    October 7, 2014 at 8:54 pm

    twopanda says:
    October 7, 2014 at 7:36 pm

    ‘Roddy news’.
    ====================
    A few sweeping statements in that letter;

    “….Mr Easdale has effectively been allowed to serve as a shadow director of the PLC…”

    Perhaps mildly embarrassing for Somers, but don’t think Easdale is going to be a happy chappy !

    Lawyers letters already en route to UoF organisers…?


  28. helpmaboab says:
    October 7, 2014 at 7:05 pm
    17 9 Rate This

    Can I ask a wee favour? Can posters refrain from using abbreviations such as IMHO, WRT and the like ( I nearly put etc).Thing is,some of us aren’t exactly up to speed with the lingo.Also,the word is SURELY last time I looked,not Shirley.As a matter of interest,what is IIRC?
    Rant over,stand by your bed.
    ———-

    Nice rant. This all stems from the space programme, you know. Have a vivid memory of James Burke translating all the Apollo astronaut jibberish back then. They communicated almost entirely in abbreviations (An ‘EVA from the LEM while the CM was in LOS’ was the usual type of thing). It’s everywhere now, especially in those US police drama thingys 😛


  29. StevieBC says:
    October 7, 2014 at 8:29 pm
    7 0 Rate This

    Martin says:
    October 7, 2014 at 6:27 pm

    Callum Carson ‏@CallumCarson34 17m17 minutes ago
    Livingston programme editor has resigned following comments made in the programme for the match against Rangers on Saturday.

    Callum Carson ‏@CallumCarson34 16m16 minutes ago
    Statement says: “The club do feel that the editor has used the medium of the Official Match Programme to express his own personal views.”
    ====================================
    Agreed, that there could be a lot more to these Tweets, but on the face of it, would the Editor have a reasonable claim for constructive dismissal ?

    I don’t know if it’s a full-time paid position, but it ‘appears’ like an editor is possibly being forced to resign for publishing – in the main – factual content, and the employer is not being terribly supportive either.

    And shirley 😉 any editor must have a certain amount of leeway as part of his job remit anyway ?

    Would love to see this taken to an Industrial Tribunal, if relevant.
    ………………..

    Would love to see a post on TSFM from someone called TheLiviTruthTeller


  30. John Clark says:
    October 4, 2014 at 11:43 am

    Maybe some collars will indeed be phelt and some professional duffers and horse-lovers and dodgy lawyers brought to book.
    _____

    Golly JC – no idea who that could possibly refer to 😉
    As a legal thingamayjimmy we shouldn’t really make any comment or speculate on the who or what or why otherwise any jury might not give the ratbags life sentences in solitary without parole

    I for one will remain tightly zipped wide open on any such alleged assorted thieves liars miscreants and crooks yet to be brought to book for PROFITEERING at expense of Loyal Bears/Bearettes
    mtp


  31. Whatever one thinks of the content of the Livingston FC match programme of 4th October it certainly upset many among the Rangers support. Their fans forums lost little time in identifying (aided by the press) and vilifying the ‘culprit’ in terms…well, you can imagine.

    Some among the Rangers support suffer from a type of existential angst that is so harrowing to them that it can never be contemplated far less discussed or god help them put in front of their eyes in bold type.

    It’s an odd state of affairs that many of the same fans who revel in proclaiming themselves in grand superlative terms, are so easily reduced in coherent expressive capacity when their world view is challenged by a volunteer editor of match day programs at one of the ‘lesser’ clubs.

    The weakness at the heart of the ‘same club’ view finds its best expression not in the words of exponents of the ‘new club’ view, but in the actions and words of Rangers fans themselves.

    The editor of Livingston FC as I understand it resigned from a voluntary position with the club. There is no evidence that he was compelled to resign by any member of the club board.

    The stated position of the Club Chairman indicates that the content of the program on 4th October expressed the personal views of the editor in question.

    If I have a quibble with the editor in question it would simply be that a match day program ought to be courteous and welcoming to the away team and support whatever you think of their status. In this regard he clearly failed.

    I do however admire his courage in expressing a view which he simply wouldn’t have to if the MSM covered the issue with a greater degree of accuracy.


  32. Danish Pastry October 7th, 2014 at : 9.11 pm

    Nice rant. This all stems from the space programme, you know. Have a vivid memory of James Burke translating all the Apollo astronaut jibberish back then. They communicated almost entirely in abbreviations (An ‘EVA from the LEM while the CM was in LOS’ was the usual type of thing). It’s everywhere now, especially in those US police drama thingys
    ……………………………………………….
    Ahh, those where real manly abbreviations. EVA,Extra Vehicular Activity. LEM, Lunar Excursion Module.
    James Burke. Didn’t he do ‘ Connections’? He could have done a whole programme on the goings on in Edmiston Drive.
    BTW. Lots of TDs for a bit of humour.ffs!


  33. No problem Danish. One thing I’ve noticed over the years, be it Ronnie Macdonald, Billy Reid, Les Gray or Alex Neil, they all have a tendancy to exaggerate the number of young players in any given team or subtract a couple of years from their ages! Alex was at it last week, saying he brought on two 18 year olds when only one of them was 18.


  34. helpmaboab says:
    October 7, 2014 at 7:05 pm

    It took us 6 months plus during RTC, decoding via Bletchley Park `HMB` 😉
    Cardigans, various Bunnets etc etc
    Get with the discotheque vibe man!
    mtp


  35. Re the livvie editor, I actually agree that he took a bit of a flier using an official publication in which to do it. Whether what he wrote was factually accurate is neither here nor there. If he was told not to upset the apple cart then he shouldn’t have done it period.

    That said, the decision by the club to dismiss him for communicating views not necessarily held by the club is an odd choice as it is effectively an admission that livie aren’t interested in communicating the truth. They’ve confirmed it was factual previously by not withdrawing what was said, it’s just they’re now saying that the truth is not a view they would wish to be expressed by the club.

    And that is as sad as it is dangerous, on several levels.


  36. twopanda says:
    October 7, 2014 at 9:59 pm
    ‘.It took us 6 months plus during RTC, decoding via Bletchley Park `HMB` 😉
    Cardigans, various Bunnets etc etc’
    ————
    Like a new boy at a new school I took great pride and pleasure in mastering (eventually) the shorthand-references that initially ( no pun intended) made some posts virtually incomprehensible. Getting to grips with ‘the code’ well enough to use it accurately enough gave me the sense of belonging to a real community ,with little practices and protocols of its own, and certain norms of behaviour.

    And, using the word ‘code’ and seeing Bletchley mentioned,I may mention that I saw in the ‘Scotsman’ today the obituary of Patricia Davies,the last survivor of Room 13, and of the group who mounted ‘Operation Mincemeat’ [to deceive the Germans into believing that the Allied invasion would be from North Africa into Greece] by using the dead body of a vagrant, dressed up as a Royal Marines Major carrying plans in a briefcase handcuffed to his wrist. His dead body was taken from the Holy Loch by submarine and left floating in the sea where it was bound to be spotted by the Portuguese at Lisbon, and it was certain that the German spies there would get access to the papers.
    The story was made into the 1956 film “The man who never was”. Which I saw-at the time when it was released!
    It is one of the miracles of the War that despite the huge numbers at Bletchley Park, the Germans never got so much as a hint of what was going on there.


  37. I think the handling of the Livingston programme issue goes right to the heart of the problem. The SMSM have maintained a party line on the various Rangers issues up until recently. They have core agreement on the topics raised in the Livingston programme.

    Reading it again, I don’t see it as being a highly or even inflammatory piece. If that had been written about Heart’s or Airdrie I don’t think it would have attracted any attention. It is factual, unbiased, informative and makes little attempt to aggravate circumstances. All the aggravation comes from the reality that it is not acceptable for such facts to be made publicly available. The only people that can access such facts are those that are obsessed enough to trawl internet forums for them and who can therefore be dismissed as such.

    We are at a stage now where the club continuity myth has become and article of faith not just for Rangers supporters but for fans and supporters of every club in the country. A fourth estate that failed to follow the details of this story instead uses its auspices to vilify individuals who stray from the party line. The publishing of the programme editor’s personal details in a national newspaper can only be described as utterly disgraceful. We all know this effectively invites violence to the guy’s doorstep. So the message from our esteemed media is that if you dare print anything that upsets Rangers fans you can quite legitimately expect a punch in the face.

    Are Rangers fans happy with this state of affairs?

    I’d be ashamed if a football team that I supported allied itself to such tactics. Reprehensible doesn’t quite capture it.

    Here is the Livi programme excerpt again. Read it and tell me if this is the type of information that deserves to have official violence meted out to its author.

    https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BzG11u4IEAAp7yH.jpg:large


  38. keith jackson ‏@tedermeatballs · 12m12 minutes ago
    Rangers fans, you staying up for a bit?

    Keef teasing us all again?


  39. If the story concerning the Livingston program editor is true then it is not only another dark day for Scottish football, but worse, for free speech and even worse still the truth. So someone who has devoted his/her time to a club, possibly free of charge, is yet another victim in this debacle.

    Someone who dared write that most terrible word “LIQUIDATION”. It is the disinfectant for a germ, the sunlight to a vampire, or the silver bullet to a werewolf. It is the horror that they cannot abide. It is the truth to ‘The Rangers” fan and they cower and hide from it.

    We are often told the various radio stations ask the questions that fans want to know the answers to. Yet these same channels refuse to ask the questions or pin down the main culprits in this charade.

    Some stations also say “its all about opinions” but what they fail to add is “as long as your opinion agrees with them”.

    So there you have it. You can have whatever flavour of ice cream you want as long as it is vanilla. But don’t dare ask for raspberry sauce.

    And they wonder why we distrust them so much.


  40. I… pffffffff, really, what can one say about Jangles’ latest ‘scoop’?! Interesting to note that there isn’t a lot of ‘meat’ about the article. One would’ve imagined that if it was all Keef is claiming then it should be at least twice as long.
    Glad to see that RFC(IL) traditions continue – Transvaal tycoon ready to splurge (somebody else’s (forgot that wee nugget keefy)) £30mil if he gets ultimate control (did something not happen in the past 5yrs that might hinder that…?!) Whereas the Easedales, who have actually spent real, personal funds to get to this point are bad, bad men and should just toddle off…

    I’m sorry but this cannot be real. There must be someone, somewhere laughing at us, yes US, for following this fanciful farce for so long. For hanging on, impatiently waiting for each new instalment. It’s starting to make Hollyoaks look like a documentary (I’m led to believe Hollyoaks is even more outlandish than Brookside ever was!)

    There has to be an authority that has the power to put an end to this. Oh thats right, there is, the national governing body…

    (BTW (by the way, @helpmaboab 😉 ) Mr Jackson, your pain seeps through your article the same way the rancid, putrid odour of death permeates a slaughter house. Remember, you could have made a difference by telling it how it was from the outset but you preferred to talk of moonbeams and billionaires. It’s your byre, lie in it.)

    :slamb:


  41. StevieBC says:
    October 8, 2014 at 12:23 am
    8 0 Rate This

    I am starting to lose the will to live!
    Smiler King is riding to the rescue with his £30M…
    Well it’s in the DR so it must be true. :slamb:

    http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/dave-king-paul-murray-george-4398635
    ————

    Not a lot there, really. The DR no doubt happy for any story that will generate some internet traffic/shift a few papers.

    On the other hand, Charles and his pals may have a financial tipping point — a walk-away offer they cannot refuse?

    Cheapest option for the New Blue Knights would be to affirm the story in the Livi programme, explode the myth, and ‘plough’ their millions into their own Newco. Who at the SFA would not want to see King’s Rangers playing out of Hampden?

    I suppose it won’t happen.


  42. StevieBC says:
    October 8, 2014 at 12:23 am

    I am starting to lose the will to live!
    Smiler King is riding to the rescue with his £30M…
    Well it’s in the DR so it must be true. :slamb:

    http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/dave-king-paul-murray-george-4398635
    ————

    Not a lot there, really. The DR no doubt happy for any story that will generate some internet traffic/shift a few papers.
    ==================================

    I guess the real indicator of how far this trio may or may not be down the line with investing is that they are not yet being called ‘Mr’ Letham, ‘Mr’ King, and ‘Mr’ Murray. Let’s not forget being involved at Ibrox at that level automatically bestows a level of dignity, honour, trust and overall class that no Director of any other club can aspire to. How else can ‘Mr’ Whyte, and ‘Mr’ Green be explained.


  43. bobferris says:
    October 7, 2014 at 10:08 pm

    There never ever was a club called Inverness Caley!

    …………
    There WAS a club – known as [Inverness] Caley (Caledonian).

    The point being that the article is so factually wrong!

    The Club playing in Inverness are not Inverness Caley or Inverness Caledonian or Caley.


  44. jimlarkin says:
    October 8, 2014 at 7:50 am
    0 0 Rate This

    AFC Wimbledon -v- MK Dons

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/29421232

    http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/AFC_Wimbledon

    Was the history bought and sold ?

    Is it the same Club
    ————–

    In a sensible world AFC Wimbledon would be the template for the Ibrox newco.

    If memory serves me correct, MK Dons later agreed to hand over ‘the history’ of the defunct club in the form of physical trophies and awards. The new club is a tribute to what proper fans can do. I don’t think many would argue that they do not continue the legacy and heritage of former Wimbledon FC.


  45. Carfins Finest says:
    October 8, 2014 at 7:49 am
    4 0 i
    Rate This

    Rangers official notice of Ashley’s demand http://rangers.co.uk/news/headlines/item/7812-notice-under-section-303-of-the-companies-act-2006

    ===============================================

    What’s his plan?

    What happens if he is successful/what happens if he fails?

    Who will the Grisedale’s back?

    Who will the fans fall in behind?

    Does it really matter?

    Will the SFA step in………. 😯 ………Forget the last bit 😆


  46. @Bawsman

    It can’t just be to remove two high earners from the wage bill, can it?

    Ashley got his own people waiting in the wings?

    Is he planning a huge on-site Tesco?


  47. Do the Company have a NOMAD at the moment?

    31 December – what a great day to have an AGM, if indeed that date transpires.

    Will Deloitte’s sign off on the accounts without a going concern notice?


  48. @Danish Pastry………….As the song goes, there are more questions than answers.

    There will be a plan, I don’t imagine he will be envisaging any personal cash input or personal cash loss.
    How is Scotland fixed for Sports Direct warehousing?


  49. One of those myths printed matter-of-factly and presented as truth. “A trio of wealthy fans”.

    Now compared to me, I’m on board with that, but compared to King, the other two are certainly not. Paul Murray is not a wealthy man. He is an accountant who has done very well for himself, but he is not a serious investor – a fact substantiated by his previous form in this matter where his other consortium could not muster more than £5m to support their bid for the club. In fairness to Leatham, he has coughed up to support the club. One wonders whether, given his reported wealth, the loan came straight out his own bank.

    Interesting if Wallace is speaking to King and Murray though. If so, it appears he has given up on the board, but also makes the gardening leave story less believable.


  50. Re DR article.

    I can only assume that if you print an article ten times its bound to be right once surely. Timing is everything though. What’s that you say? An EGM being called by chief pillager, if nothing else forcing the hand for an AGM by a board now united (apparently) but of course with no actual cash power any more since the fans are all away chasing moonbeams.

    Fundamentally, the thing is losing money. To be successful on the park it needs to lose more money. To have a chance of ever being in a break even position, ironically it needs to lose more money yet. The fans can chase moonbeams all they want. Its cash they need. If someone somewhere is prepared to sink (guess) £50m to get to where they aspire to be then good on him/her. I can’t help notice the article is a little short on these minor trifling details however.

    Put it this way, I don’t think the KPL consortia (I’ll copyright that one I think) want to go calling Ashley’s bluff regarding cash availability.


  51. Wallace may not be on gardening leave but he certainly appears to be a lame duck CEO.
    He may well have been trying to do his job by talking to all and sundry but clearly that is something that is not desirable amongst some of the key shareholders who must see his actions as being of potential disbenefit to their investment.

    The gardening leave story provided by Phil Mac sources may just be part of the bigger plan to have Wallace and others hoisted.

    Its the Malcolm Murray story all over again.


  52. I’ve asked this question before.

    How much folding stuff would a fine upstanding citizen from South Africa be able to take out of that country for overseas investment purposes?…………..And how much would a convicted tax dodging fraudster be allowed to remove?


  53. Big Pink says:

    …Interesting if Wallace is speaking to King and Murray though. If so, it appears he has given up on the board, but also makes the gardening leave story less believable.
    ———-

    Or more believable, if he’s freelancing off-site in an attempt to ‘do the right thing’? He may be concerned about his reputation and about fulfilling his contractual obligations, for legal reasons. He may also not feel inclined to assume the role of patsy later down the line.


  54. The right thing DP. The RIGHT thing? Who the hell came up with that fanciful downright dangerous notion dangnabbit! Get that man stopped, now. Brian, get your camera. More cocktails anyone?


  55. So Ashley has requisitioned an EGM to get rid of Wallace and Nash. Sort of reminiscent of last year at this time, except that this time the “blue knights” are on the receiving end.

    It will be interesting to see where Laxey stand in this. If Phil is correct, and Wallace and Nash have been skilfully steering the good ship “Rangers” clear of the big bad iceberg called insolvency, then Laxey may well want to dump them, if they see insolvency as their exit ticket. Again according to Phil, wasn’t admin Laxey’s preferred strategy earlier this year?

    My money is on Ashley to win. He has more money than the Blue Knights, he already has 10% of the shares (remind me again how many shares the Blue Knights control- is it under 1%?), he seems to have the Easdale share block, including BP and MH, on his side, and he is a far more credible operator in the business world than any of the Blue Knights.

    The bears won’t like it if he wins, but does Ashley give a damn? I don’t think so. By the way, I have absolutely no idea what Ashley will do if he wins. However he will ferociously protect his own interest, I’m certain of that.


  56. Throughout all the trials and tribulations of the past couple of years I have yet to work out what actually drives their share price…either up, or down.
    Even after this announcement the price is static with neither a share bought, or sold. I find this bizare.


  57. Neepheid.

    A true indictment of modern top level football. Monetary concerns paramount. Footballing prowess – optional, and in some cases a definite hindrance.


  58. neepheid says:
    October 8, 2014 at 9:34 am

    The thing about Ashley is that he knows a good thing when he sees it in terms of having enough mugs either fixated or trapped into buying the products sold by the companies he has invested in be that T’Rangers or Tesco etc.

    The Newcastle fans are known to be fiercely loyal and especially given that there is no other rival within the city there is a monopoly in selling football shirts and other club merchandise.

    Ashley has the means,wealth and guile to put just enough money going into the club to keep the junkies buying his product.

    I have long said that somebody somewhere will always put just enough cash in to make sure T’Rangers gets back into the premiership where the fans can be fleeced with top dollar ticket prices. The product on the park will then just be good enough to give the fans hope of past glories but there will be no breaking the bank to do so.

    I say once again that the only way to gain control of a football club is to starve out the people in charge and start afresh.

    If the club can survive the ‘L’ word then what have they got to worry about dumping this dysfunctional model.

    The question for Bears is – is it dignity you want or just a load of silverware because at present you can’t have both?


  59. Bawsman says:
    October 8, 2014 at 8:26 am
    Carfins Finest says:
    October 8, 2014 at 7:49 am
    Rangers official notice of Ashley’s demand http://rangers.co.uk/news/headlines/item/7812-notice-under-section-303-of-the-companies-act-2006

    ===============================================

    What’s his plan?

    ………………………..
    Here are a few thoughts
    The latest date for an AGM Agenda to be circulated is 9 Dec. The Agenda needs to be accompanied by an Auditors Report
    It looks like
    The AGM agenda can`t be finalised because
    Either
    The majority Spivs haven’t got the 75 % needed to dilute the minority shareholders
    Or
    The accounts can`t be finalised without some guarantee of short term funding to maintain a going concern
    Or
    Both of the above
    However
    I suspect the short term funding issue could be easily resolved by a pretend assurance letter from one of the majority Spivs
    So
    It’s most likely the 75% ownership is in doubt probably down to HH selling their shares to Ashley
    ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
    Ashley’s Motivation
    I suspect Ashley has no qualms about the dilution of minority holders providing he is in on the deal He may be playing hardball for a disproportionately larger chunk of the freebie shares after dilution than he is entitled to. This could only come at the expense of the other majority Spivs including Green
    Ashley’s motivation may be to engineer a big enough share of physical asset ownership in liquidation which he can then swop for intangible asset s i.e. image rights. This would be particularly plausible if the image rights are indeed owned by Green and only leased to TRFC. So he may be trying to split Green away from the other Spivs
    Also
    The sale to Ashley by HH of 4.2m shares may be conditional on the ploy succeeding with HH benefitting somehow at a later date
    ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
    The call to remove Wallace and Nash looks like a tactic by Ashley to force the AGM date to the wire This could mean the Spivs would have to put a dis application resolution onto the AGM agenda without first lining up Ashley`s support
    Ashley may have figured he has nothing to lose by upping the stakes.
    Time is on his side
    Since
    Whatever happens with the current spat
    Administration or Liquidation is the follow up to the AGM
    Either
    It happens because the dilution has been approved
    Or
    It happens because RIFC run out of cash
    ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
    Ashley is a shrewd Billionaire
    But he is up against some very smart Spivs with Bottom Feeders lurking in the background
    I reckon some kind of deal will be reached that removes Wallace and Nash with a handsome package without the need for an EGM This to be followed by a pretend assurance of ongoing funds that satisfied the Auditors, then successful share dilution resolution & share capital increase resolutions at the AGM then awarding of freebie shares in exchange for debt or onerous contracts followed by Administration or Liquidation
    We could be looking at a completely new set of Spivs taking charge by Jan 2015


  60. From today’s FT.
    http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/c63dd6c8-4eb4-11e4-a1ef-00144feab7de.html#axzz3FXW9PWO9

    Mike Ashley calls for removal of Rangers directors

    Mike Ashley has called for the two most senior executives of Rangers International Football Club to be removed as directors, setting up a battle between its board and the sportswear retailer.

    Mr Ashley, who controls stake of about 9 per cent in Rangers, has demanded that Graham Wallace, chief executive, and Philip Nash stand aside.

    His call will further fuel speculation that the boss of retailer Sports Direct is planning to launch a bid for control of the Glasgow club.

    Mr Ashley, who also owns Newcastle United, personally holds a stake in Rangers of almost 4 per cent. His “Mash” investment vehicle recently acquired a further stake of 5 per cent.

    Rangers raised £3m in emergency cash last month to shore up its finances. However, this is only enough to pay its bills for a few weeks. Investors will be asked to inject fresh capital when the Aim-quoted club holds its annual shareholder meeting.

    Mr Ashley has called on Rangers to hold a separate meeting of shareholders to allow them to vote on whether Mr Wallace and Mr Nash should remain on the board, the club said in a statement on Tuesday.

    But the club said it intended to block the move given “the cost and disruption of an ad hoc general meeting”.

    Rangers added its board was “united in its support of the executive team.” A further announcement would be made shortly, it added.


  61. According to Twitter sources (I know!) Bomber Brown revealed to a Sons of Struth meeting last night that Ticketus are now, and always were, behind Blue Pitch and Margarita. Mind you, I’m not sure that even Bomber knows what he’s talking about half the time.

    But isn’t it just like old times- Dave King, Bomber Brown, Paul Murray, Ritzvi, Ticketus, Octopus, and all with Craig Whyte’s claim still lurking in the background. What we now need to complete the cast is the return of the man with big Yorkshire hands. Maybe Ashley needs a front man who has the amazing Pied Piper skills to lead the bears to wherever Ashley wants to take them. The pathetic thing is that Green would be welcomed back with open arms by 90% of bears. I’m sure Ashley could mark the occasion by happily knocking out the 500 million orange strips that would undoubtedly be required.


  62. I see Matt McGlone suggesting on Twitter that story in Newcastle is Ashley jumping ship and taking over at Ibrox.

    I’m not sure how much it costs to put out the team at Newcastle along with all the associated costs but it will be a lot less to do so in Scotland to get a bite at football success Newcastle will never get.

    The big concern then is financial probity. Given that we suspect SFA have ignored goings at Ibrox for years and know the lengths they have gone to in ignoring their own or UEFA rules since July 2011, then what confidence can the rest of Scottish football have that all the other clubs will not become supporting clowns at a one ring circus?

    There absolutely must be change at governance level that brings in accountability then strong FFP rules that are not ignored.

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